Rockets Survive Pelicans' Late Collapse in 107-105 Thriller: Durant, Thompson Lead Houston Steal

Houston Rockets escaped with a 107-105 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night after a dramatic fourth-quarter collapse by New Orleans, highlighted by Dejounte Murray's season-high 35 points and critical turnovers.

Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning 107-105 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, March 13, 2026, capitalizing on a late-game collapse from their opponents. Kevin Durant led with 32 points, while Amen Thompson nearly recorded a triple-double, as the Rockets survived a furious Pelicans rally that saw New Orleans take a brief lead with under a minute remaining.

As of: March 14, 2026

Alex Rivera, Senior NBA Analyst. This win underscores Houston's resilience amid injury challenges and tightens the Western Conference playoff race.

The Dramatic Finish That Sealed Houston's Win

The game swung wildly in the final minutes. The Pelicans, fueled by Dejounte Murray's explosive 35-point performance—his highest since returning from an Achilles injury—erupted with a 12-1 run to grab a 104-100 lead with 31.8 seconds left. But Jabari Smith Jr. answered with a clutch corner three-pointer, tying the score. Murray then stepped out of bounds with 13 seconds on the clock, handing possession back to Houston. Durant capitalized with a pull-up jumper for a 105-104 edge. Zion Williamson's errant inbounds pass to Herb Jones rolled out of bounds, and Durant iced it with two free throws. This sequence of turnovers proved decisive, turning a potential Pelicans upset into a Rockets triumph.

Key Performances Driving the Outcome

Amen Thompson was a force for Houston, posting 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in a near triple-double effort, filling the void left by absent All-Star center Alperen Sengun (back injury). Reed Sheppard shone off the bench with 18 points, including five three-pointers, while Smith added 16 points, highlighted by his game-tying shot. Clint Capela provided solid backup in the paint with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 blocks. For New Orleans, Murray shot an incredible 14-of-18 from the field, Trey Murphy III contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Williamson added 21 points. Despite forcing 12 Houston turnovers worth 17 points, the Pelicans couldn't close it out.

Why This Win Matters for Houston's Playoff Push

Playing without Sengun exposed Houston's depth issues, yet the victory demonstrates their ability to grind out wins in close games—a critical skill for playoff success. The Rockets, now holding a competitive spot in the Western Conference, gain momentum heading into a packed schedule. This result bolsters their case as a rising contender, with Durant's scoring prowess and Thompson's versatility proving invaluable. For fans and analysts tracking NBA standings today, Houston's resilience keeps them firmly in the playoff conversation, potentially shifting seeding dynamics as the season nears its climax.

Pelicans' Collapse Raises Questions on Closing Games

New Orleans' late-game miscues—Murray's out-of-bounds and Williamson's bad pass—highlight ongoing issues with execution under pressure. Despite Murray's hot shooting and the team's turnover-forcing defense, these mental lapses cost them dearly. Trailing by 11 earlier, their rally showed fight, but failing to convert the lead into a win could dent confidence. In the tight NBA playoff race today, such losses amplify risks for the Pelicans, who must refine their clutch play to avoid slipping further in the standings.

Game Flow: From Early Dominance to Nail-Biting Finish

Houston jumped out early, leading 28-24 after the first quarter, powered by Thompson's 9 points and 4 rebounds matching Murray's 10. Sheppard's back-to-back threes in the second pushed the lead to 39-32, and Smith's three-point play extended it to 53-43 late in the half. Murray's buzzer-beating three pulled New Orleans to 57-49 at halftime. The third and early fourth saw Houston maintain control until the Pelicans' fateful run. This rollercoaster matchup exemplifies the intensity of late-season NBA news today.

Looking Ahead: Implications and Next Catalysts

With no games reported yet on March 14, attention shifts to today's marquee matchup between the Denver Nuggets (41-26) and Los Angeles Lakers (41-25), a battle with massive playoff implications. For Houston, Sengun's return timeline becomes crucial; his absence tested their frontcourt, but Capela's blocks showed adaptability. Pelicans face scrutiny on Murray's post-injury form and Williamson's decision-making. Broader NBA latest news watches how these results ripple through trades, injuries, and the standings race. Momentum favors Houston, but risks loom if depth falters.

To expand on the broader context, the Rockets' win isn't isolated; it's part of a pattern where young talent like Thompson and Sheppard steps up during veteran absences. Thompson's line flirted with history, showcasing his all-around game that has scouts projecting stardom. Durant's 32 points, efficient and timely, remind everyone why he's a future Hall of Famer, even in a supporting role on this Houston squad. For the Pelicans, Murray's 35 points signal full recovery from Achilles woes, but the turnovers—especially his—point to rust that needs shaking off quickly.

Injury updates remain pivotal: Sengun's back issue sidelines a double-double machine, forcing adjustments that this game validated. Capela's four blocks were a highlight, proving trade acquisitions can deliver in pinches. New Orleans turned Houston's 12 turnovers into 17 points, an elite conversion rate, yet it wasn't enough. Their early deficit of 11 points stemmed from Houston's hot shooting, particularly Sheppard's five threes on likely high volume.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown reveals Houston's first-half control: 28-24 after one, 57-49 at half. The second quarter saw Sheppard's threes counter a Pelicans push, Smith's three-point play cementing a 10-point edge. Murray's scoring outbursts kept it close, but Houston's bench depth prevailed. The fourth-quarter drama, with Pelicans leading 104-100 momentarily, flipped on three possessions gone wrong for New Orleans.

Playoff implications intensify: both teams jockey for position in a congested West. Houston's steal keeps them breathing down higher seeds, while Pelicans' loss exposes closing vulnerabilities. Today's Nuggets-Lakers game, with both at 41 wins, could reshape the top, indirectly affecting Houston's path. Rockets news today highlights this grit; Pelicans latest warns of collapse risks.

Coach comments, though not directly sourced here, would likely praise Houston's poise and lament New Orleans' execution. Ime Udoka's system thrives on defense and timely shots, evident in Smith's three. Willie Green faces questions on late-game rotations, with Murphy's all-around line underutilized in crunch time.

Media and fan reactions on social platforms buzz with Durant's clutch gene and Murray's near-heroics. This game exemplifies NBA today's unpredictability, where stars shine but details decide. For sports business, Houston's marketability rises with young stars; New Orleans must stabilize to retain fan investment.

Expanding further, historical context: Houston's home resilience mirrors past playoff runs, while Pelicans' collapses echo prior seasons' woes. Stats leaders on March 14 show no live games yet, but Friday's outputs position Durant and Murray prominently. Trade rumors quiet, but Sengun's injury could spark deadline moves—though past it, buyout market looms.

Risks for Houston: overreliance on Durant at 37; Thompson's load management. Catalysts: Sheppard’s emergence, Capela's blocks signaling frontcourt stability. For Pelicans, Williamson's 21 points underwhelm vs. potential; inbound errors demand film study. Next games critical for momentum.

In sum, this thriller shifts narratives: Houston as closers, Pelicans as chokers. NBA scores today await updates, but Friday's result resonates.

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